The Congregation

Waterman Jewelry Store, Portland, ca. 1920

Shaarey Tphiloh was founded by and home to many Yiddish-speaking Eastern European immigrants who brought with them Orthodox traditions.

One early, active family was Ellis and Bella Waterman and their children, Arthur, Sadie, and Harriet.

Ellis Waterman emigrated from Russia in 1889 when he was about seven. His wife was a Maine native whose parents were Russian immigrants.

Arthur, who chaired the 1956 Golden Jubilee of the synagogue wrote that the occasion brought "Joy that comes from the knowledge that the spark of orthodox Judaism which was kindled in our community fifty years ago burns more brightly than ever before."

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Arthur Waterman, Portland, ca. 1965

Arthur Waterman, who chaired the 1956 Golden Jubilee of the synagogue wrote that the occasion brought "Joy that comes from the knowledge that the spark of orthodox Judaism which was kindled in our community fifty years ago burns more brightly than ever before."

The Jubilee was a chance to remember the synagogue's roots, even as the congregation was modernizing.

The program for the event recalled what it took to build the synagogue in 1904. "Those who were not busy raising funds, devoted themselves to the actual construction of the building.

"Bricks and materials were carried by hand or on wagons. Congregation members served as painters, carpenters, and plasterers."

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Confirmation, Shaarey Tphiloh, Portland, 1938

Orthodox Jewish synagogues separate men and women in worship with a divider called a mechitza. According to Jewish law, males are obligated in time-bound commandments while women are exempt, and therefore men take on greater roles in the prayer service.

Shaarey Tphiloh congregation adhered to traditional laws of Orthodox Judaism, but also dealt with the acculturation of the congregation to American life.

Women took on greater roles in the congregation as time went on. Confirmation ceremonies for girls were followed by bat mitzvah ceremonies, in which the laws were tweaked to allow for greater women’s participation.